Effects of parental overweight and obesity on offspring’s mental health: A meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

Background Children of parents who were overweight/obese prior to pregnancy face a variety of neurodevelopmental challenges. The goal of this meta-analysis is to compile evidence about the impact of parental overweight/obesity on their children’s mental health. Methods The databases Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched until May 2022. The pooled effect size was calculated using the fixed and random effect models. We also performed I2 index, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, quality assessment, and publication bias analysis. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022334408). Results For maternal exposure (35 studies), both maternal overweight [OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.10,1.18)] and maternal obesity [OR 1.39 (95% CI (1.33, 1.45)] were significantly associated with offspring’s mental disorders. Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity increased the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.42,1.70)], autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [OR 1.37 (95% CI 1.22,1.55)], cognitive/intellectual delay [OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.21,1.63)], behavioral problems [OR 1.50 (95% CI 1.35,1.66)] and other mental diseases [OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.23,1.37)]. For paternal exposure (6 studies), paternal obesity [OR 1.17 (95% CI 1.06, 1.30)] but not overweight [OR 1.03 (95% CI 0.95,1.11)] was significantly associated with offspring’s mental disorders. Conclusions Parental overweight/obesity might have negative consequences on offspring’s mental health and pre-pregnancy weight control is advised.

How can paternal obesity impair memory processes in offspring?

“…There is a growing awareness that parental obesity may lead to adverse long‐term health consequences for subsequent generations. Both epidemiological and animal studies have provided evidence suggesting that either maternal or paternal obesity independently increases the risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and mental health impairments in offspring 3–5 . A recent meta‐analysis of observational human studies indicated that specifically paternal obesity, rather than overweight, was significantly associated with mental disorders in offspring, such as anxiety, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 5 .…”

“…Both epidemiological and animal studies have provided evidence suggesting that either maternal or paternal obesity independently increases the risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and mental health impairments in offspring. [3][4][5] A recent meta-analysis of observational human studies indicated that specifically paternal obesity, rather than overweight, was significantly associated with mental disorders in offspring, such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 5 However, establishing a casual link between parental obesity and neurocognitive development in offspring has been challenging in human studies, primarily due to the confounding effects of genetic factors and postnatal environment.…”

“…[3][4][5] A recent meta-analysis of observational human studies indicated that specifically paternal obesity, rather than overweight, was significantly associated with mental disorders in offspring, such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 5 However, establishing a casual link between parental obesity and neurocognitive development in offspring has been challenging in human studies, primarily due to the confounding effects of genetic factors and postnatal environment. Therefore, animal experiments can enhance our understanding of this association.…”

The Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Possible Origins in Pregnancy

“…It is interesting to assess the impacts of maternal obesity on the etiology of ASD. A meta-analysis by Zhang and colleagues observed the impact of maternal overweight/obesity on the mental health of children [ 117 ]. They highlighted that maternal obesity before pregnancy increased the risk of ASD [OR 1.37 (95% CI 1.22, 1.55)], as well as other neurodevelopmental alterations [ 117 ].…”

Parental Obesity: The Pandemic of Intergenerational Physical and Mental Health Carnage

“…Subsequent studies have confirmed this increased risk of ADHD in the children of obese women. Paternal obesity has also been implicated with risk for offspring, but the association remains controversial [84][85][86].…”